The National Anthem

What do you know about the national anthem?

American Flag, flying bald Eagle,statue of liberty and Constitution montage

Do you know the story behind the U.S. national anthem? Read the story to learn its history before you learn its etiquette.

The War of 1812, naval battle in which U.S. frigate Constitution defeats the British warship Guerriere, August 19, 1812

The War of 1812 lasted three years. During this time, the British set fire to Washington D.C., which destroyed the Capitol, the president's house, and the U.S. Treasury.

BALTIMORE, MD - APR 16: Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore, Maryland, on April 16, 2017. In the War of 1812, it defended Baltimore Harbor from an attack by the British.

Next, the British decided to attack Baltimore, which was a large city even then. But first they had to destroy Fort McHenry which protected the city from attacks by sea.

Sixteen British ships attacked the fort, leaving the air smoky and red. All through the night, an American lawyer named Francis Scott Key heard the fighting.

Francis Scott Key, (1779-1843) awakes on September 14, 1814, to see the American flag still waving over Fort McHenry. 'Defense of Fort M'Henry.'

In the morning, Francis saw the American flag, and he felt proud and happy that the Americans had won. That night, he wrote a poem, which was later published in a newspaper.

American Flag created with the national anthem in vector format.

Now, fast forward to 1916. President Woodrow Wilson declared that Francis Scott Key's poem, which had been turned into a song called, "The Star-Spangled Banner," would be played at all large government events. Fifteen years later in 1931, it became the national anthem.

Music note design element in doodle style

Now that you know the history of "The Star-Spangled Banner," learn the etiquette of the national anthem so that you can show your respect and loyalty to the country. Click on each picture to learn more.

For "The Star-Spangled Banner"...

	Take off your hat.
	Take off your sunglasses.
	Don't talk, eat, drink, or chew gum during the song.
	Stand and face the flag with your right hand over your heart.
	Sing along.